Q: Why did you transition away from external membership seals?

A: We believe the most authentic form of accountability is direct disclosure. Previously, we relied on third-party membership organizations to verify our financial integrity. Today, we choose to bypass the middleman and provide our donors with direct, unrestricted access to our audited financials, IRS filings, and governance policies right here on our website. This ensures complete transparency without administrative overhead. We will continue to maintain our free accreditation provided by both Candid and Charity Navigator.

Q: Has your financial accountability or oversight changed?

A: Yes—it has become even stricter. Our internal financial controls remain completely unchanged, and we continue to undergo a comprehensive annual audit by an independent CPA firm. Additionally, our majority independent Board of Directors maintains oversight over every dollar spent. We continue to meet or exceed the highest standards of financial stewardship in the nonprofit sector.

Q: Where can I see how my donations are being used?

A: You can view our complete financial breakdown in the “Financial Allocation” section above. We publish our independent audit reports and IRS Form 990s directly to this page every year as soon as they are finalized. We want you to see exactly how your generosity is making an impact.

Q: Is my personal and financial information secure when I give?

A: Absolutely. We never sell, share, or rent donor information to any third party. All online donations are processed through secure, industry-leading encrypted channels to protect your privacy.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have specific questions about the budget?

A: We welcome your questions. You can contact our Director of Finance and Operations, Janie Winn, at accounting@sosresponds.org or call us at 817-898-0262. We are committed to giving you prompt, forthright answers.